Solid-State Imaging Device Polarizing Element Wire Grid Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid-state imaging devices face challenges in integrating polarizing elements with different polarization orientations due to difficulties in forming inorganic microparticles with shape anisotropy, particularly for small pixel sizes, and lack of specific configurations for horizontal and vertical component polarizing means.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state imaging device with a stacked structure comprising a photoelectric conversion element and polarizing elements having different polarization orientations, featuring a stripe-shaped reflecting layer, an insulating layer, and a light absorption layer, which are integrally formed on the photoelectric conversion element, utilizing a wire grid polarizer technique to minimize polarization crosstalk and stray light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If inorganic microparticles with shape anisotropy are formed on small pixel sizes, then polarization information can be acquired, but manufacturing difficulty increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from inorganic microparticles to organic dyes with specific molecular orientations. This parameter change enables the same polarization function to be achieved on small pixel sizes without the manufacturing difficulties associated with forming inorganic microparticles of specific shapes at high precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different polarization-sensitive materials (first and second polarizing dyes with different polarization directions) to different regions of the solid-state imaging element. This local quality approach allows each region to be optimized for its specific polarization detection function while maintaining compatibility with small pixel dimensions
2Adaptability or versatility
If polarizing elements with different polarization orientations are integrated, then polarization analysis capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple polarizing elements with different polarization orientations directly onto a single solid-state imaging element. The first and second polarizing dyes are formed in different regions of the same substrate, enabling simultaneous acquisition of polarization information from multiple orientations without requiring separate imaging devices
Solution Approach 2:
The solid-state imaging element is designed to perform multiple functions: it simultaneously detects light intensity and polarization orientation information. The imaging element serves as both the detection platform and the polarization filtering medium, eliminating the need for external polarizing filters or multiple separate imaging devices
3Reliability
If wire grid polarizer technique is used, then extinction characteristics are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire grid structure with a chemical/molecular solution using oriented dye molecules. Instead of physically forming precise grid structures with specific pitch dimensions, the polarization function is achieved through the molecular orientation and optical properties of the dye materials, which can be controlled through chemical synthesis and deposition processes rather than precision mechanical fabrication
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a compact imaging device with excellent extinction characteristics, reduced polarization crosstalk, and suppression of stray light, enabling efficient spatial separation of polarization information and improved imaging performance.
Implementation Method 1
a wire grid polarizer has a 1-dimensional or 2-dimensional grid structure formed of a conductor material. when the formation pitch P0 of the wire grid is significantly smaller than the wavelength of an incident electromagnetic wave, the electromagnetic wave vibrating on a plane parallel to the extension direction of the wire grid is selectively reflected or absorbed by the wire grid
Implementation Method 2
a light absorption layer made up of a plurality of segments formed on the insulating layer in a separated state. The polarizing element employs a so-called wire grid polarizer technique. the inorganic microparticles have a light absorbing effect
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a solid-state imaging element which is able to provide the solid-state imaging element having a polarizing element having a simple configuration and structure based on a wire grid polarizer technique, a solid-state imaging device, an imaging apparatus, and a method of manufacturing a polarizing element. The solid-state imaging device includes a plurality of solid-state imaging elements 41 each including a photoelectric conversion element 61 and a polarizing element 70 formed on the light incident side of the photoelectric conversion element 61. The solid-state imaging device includes two or more kinds of polarizing elements 70 having different polarization orientations. Each polarizing element has a stacked structure in which a stripe-shaped reflecting layer 71, an insulating layer 72 formed on the reflecting layer 71, and a light absorption layer 73 made up of a plurality of segments 73' formed on the insulating layer 72 in a separated state are stacked in that order from the photoelectric conversion element side.